Start with the soil, not the word starter
A new lawn does not automatically need a phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Use your soil-test recommendation and the current product directions to decide which nutrients belong in the project. A seed-and-fertilizer combination may already contribute nutrients. Count those before adding another product.
Compare the amount applied, not just the grade
The reviewed Scotts Starter is 24-25-4; Andersons New Lawn Starter is 20-27-5. The larger middle number is not a performance ranking. Compare each formula at its allowed application rate and read the product review for the label calculations and limitations.
Three products with different roles
Choose the product whose labeled use and nutrient contribution match your project. These comparisons summarize the linked research reviews; they are not results from a side-by-side lawn trial.
Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass
Scotts
The linked Scotts Starter Food is the 15-pound, 24-25-4 fertilizer with 5,000-square-foot nominal coverage. It is intended for planting grass, but a phosphorus-rich starter belongs in the plan only when soil needs and applicable restrictions support it.
Tradeoff: The 24-25-4 grade contains substantial phosphate. New seed does not make every soil deficient, and the product is not an automatic add-on to seed blends that already contain fertilizer.
The Andersons New Lawn Starter 20-27-5
The Andersons
The linked Andersons New Lawn Starter is an 18-pound 20-27-5 formula for eligible establishment and renovation projects. Its nominal 5,000-square-foot coverage must be read alongside the label’s nitrogen and phosphorus restrictions.
Tradeoff: At 3.6 lb product per 1,000 sq ft, this 20% nitrogen formula supplies 0.72 lb nitrogen. The same label includes a 0.7 lb nitrogen limit for specified states, so the nominal rate cannot be treated as universal.
Milorganite Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer
Milorganite
A 32-pound, 6-4-0 biosolids fertilizer with both slow-release and water-soluble nitrogen. Standard manufacturer coverage is 2,500 square feet, with lower regional rates and timing exceptions. The linked listing includes a feeding brochure.
Tradeoff: The 32-pound bag covers 2,500 square feet only at the standard rate. Current maker guidance includes lower rates in named states, and the product contains phosphorus even though it is marketed as slow-release nitrogen.
Fit application to the planting instructions
Coordinate an eligible starter application with the establishment directions on the actual bag. Do not use a generic calendar to override a regional restriction, a seed product that already contains fertilizer or a pesticide waiting period.
Measure, reconcile and calibrate
Measure the treatment area. Convert the allowed rate into the amount for that area, account for other nutrient sources and calibrate the spreader. Follow the product’s watering and handling instructions. Nominal bag coverage is not permission to ignore a more restrictive label provision.
Avoid stacking products
Milorganite used as a seed carrier remains fertilizer. A separate starter may be unnecessary. Likewise, a weed-and-feed product adds herbicide restrictions: it is not interchangeable with plain starter fertilizer.
What if the soil already has enough phosphorus?
Choose a plan that matches the soil recommendation instead of applying a phosphorus-rich starter by habit. The right outcome may be a different formulation or no starter application. Read the specific product review and current bag before purchasing.
Source basis: the product reviews linked above contain the manufacturer labels and dated source notes used for these comparisons. Reviewed September 23, 2026.